Most Able & Talented

We are proud of the achievements of all students that attend Thorp Academy. The academy has a rich history of pushing the most able on to success not just in sport but in academia. Thorp Academy is named after The Venerable Charles Thorp, who as well as being the Rector of Ryton was also the founder and first warden of the University of Durham.

Ethos

At Thorp Academy, we value academic excellence and we believe that the learning of all of our students should be personalised. All students should be challenged, inspired and empowered by learning. All of our classrooms should be engaging and inspiring places to learn.It is well known that learners learn in different ways and our teachers accommodate these different learning styles in their lessons. Our most able and talented learners are identified and their progress is monitored in order to make sure they are continually provided for and are reaching their true potential.

The most able and talented learners are those students who show an outstanding ability in one specific subject or across a selection of subjects within the academy community.

Who are most able and talented learners?

Students who are Most Able and Talented will demonstrate achievement or the potential to achieve at the highest levels in comparison with children at a similar age or stage in their education.

What provisions are in place for our most able and talented learners?

The academy provides activities and experiences to extend its most able and talented pupils. This could be as part of the extensive enrichment programme that is offered to all students or specific activities, such as visits to universities and outside speakers.

Within the classroom, teachers use stretch and challenge activities and use our learning model to develop important skills such as communication, creativity, evaluation and independence. This will help our students to achieve their potential and develop key employability skills. Our curriculum model enables students to fast-track as appropriate, or opt for enrichment activities which give the opportunity to broaden and extend knowledge and skills. Most able and talented learners are encouraged to develop leadership or mentoring roles within the classroom and within the whole academy.

How is progress monitored?

All students are monitored through our rigorous STEPS system and our intervention model. It is expected that all teachers will track the progress of all students to ensure they are making excellent progress and are not underachieving. This is reported to parents every half term.

How can parents/carers can help?

Parents and carers are asked to inform the academy about talents or aptitudes of their children and to encourage them to participate in extra-curricular activities both in and out of the academy. If there are any concerns or queries about their child’s progress or identification, the lead teacher responsible for most able and talented students can be contacted.